Fish Species

Interesting Fish Species Information and Facts - How are different fish species identified?
The colours, shapes and sizes of individual fishes varies enormously - you really need excellent quality pictures or photographs to assist in the identification process. A combination of the number of fins and their characteristics, color, scale counts, general features, maximum length and distribution are used during a species identification process. The species detailed on this website are Tropical, Saltwater, Aquarium , Marine , Pet , Pond, Clown, Koi, Beta (Betta), Gold Fish (Goldfish), Star, Angel, Puffer, Discus, Piranha, Rainbow, Parrot, Crustaceans, Sea Anemones and Coral.

Interesting Information and Facts - How do you identify the sex of a particular species?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Information about Fins - Did you know that each fin has a specific function?

Interesting Information and Facts - Why do most fish species have gills?
Gills enable most fish species to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some species, however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Information and Facts - Why do different species have fins?
Fish usually have seven fins. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. Dorsal fins lend stability in swimming
Ventral fins - The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. Ventral fins lend stability in swimming
Caudal fins - The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. Caudal fins propel through the water
Anal fins - The Anal fin is located on the anus area of fishes. Anal fins lend stability in swimming.
Pectoral fins - The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. Pectoral fins are for locomotion and side to side movement
Adipose fins - The Adipose fin is an extra fleshy fin on the back behind the dorsal fin as in salmons, smelts, and lanterns to lend stability in swimming
Cephalic fins - The cephalic fin are the "horns" of manta rays and close relations

Fish Species - Facts
Interesting Information and facts on different species

How are the different fishes species identified? Why are they slimy? Important facts and info - How do you identify the sex of a particular species? Species Facts and Info - Why do most have gills? - Why do different species have fins? Tropical Species, Saltwater Species, Freshwater Fish Species, Aquarium Fish Species, Marine Fish Species, Pet Species, Pond Species, Clowns, Kois, Betas (Bettas), Gold Fish (Goldfish), Star, Angels, Puffers, Discus, Piranhas, Rainbow, Parrots, Crustaceans, Sea Anemones, Corals.

Did you know that....

	Jellyfish are composed of more than 90% water
	There are over 80 species of seahorse
	Fish do not have vocal chords but they can make sounds! The Oyster toadfish for example uses its swim bladder to produce a loud wailing sound which has been compared to the sound of a foghorn!
	Anableps are known as four-eyed fish! In fact they only have two eyes but each eye has two pupils so they can see above and below the water a the same time

Fish Species - Facts
Did you know...

	The Box Jellyfish is one of the most venomous creatures in the sea, the toxins from its venom attacks the nervous system, heart and skin!
	Over 32,000 different species of fish have been identified and more fish species are being discovered and identified every day!
	The plural of the word fish is fishes, however when describing more than one fish of the same species, the word fish is still used instead of the plural! An example would be 20 Puffer Fish, not 20 Puffer Fishes!
	The Female seahorse lays her eggs in a special pouch on the male seahorse's stomach, he then takes care of the eggs until the baby seahorses hatch

Facts About Fish Species

Species Fact 1: A goldfish can live for up to ten years

Species Fact 2: The Piranhas teeth are sharp enough to cut through a steel fishing hook!

Species Fact 3: The rainbow fish is considered an ideal species for the beginner, they are hardy and integrate well with most aquarium fish species

Species Fact 5: The Red Bellied Piranha has the most fearsome reputation

Species Fact 6: A lobsters teeth are in its stomach, an area called the ‘gastric mill’

Species Fact 7: When threatened, the puffer fish can inflate itself up to three times its normal size!